**Avian Flu Threat: Transmission and Prevention** **By Elinor L. Baron, MD, DTMH** Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a serious threat to both birds and humans. This virus can be transmitted in two primary ways: * **Direct contact with infected birds:** Humans can contract avian flu by handling sick or dead birds, their feathers, or their droppings. * **Environmental exposure:** The virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as poultry products, water, or soil. Of particular concern is the ability of avian influenza to spread within and among cervid populations, including deer and elk. **Symptoms of Avian Flu in Humans** In humans, avian flu can cause a range of symptoms, including: * Fever * Chills * Muscle aches * Sore throat * Cough * Shortness of breath Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death. **Preventing the Spread of Avian Flu** To prevent the spread of avian flu, it is crucial to take the following precautions: * Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings. * Wash your hands thoroughly after handling poultry products. * Cook poultry thoroughly to kill any viruses. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after handling birds or poultry products. * Report any suspected cases of avian flu in animals or humans to your local health authorities. **Treatment for Avian Flu** Antiviral medications can be used to treat avian influenza infections. These drugs are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. **History of Avian Flu Pandemics** Since the early 20th century, there have been four major avian flu pandemics: * 1918-1920: The Spanish Flu pandemic, estimated to have killed between 50 and 100 million people worldwide. * 1957-1958: The Asian Flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 1 million people. * 1968-1969: The Hong Kong Flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 1 million people. * 2009-2010: The H1N1 pandemic, also known as the "swine flu" pandemic, which killed an estimated 284,500 people worldwide. The emergence of new avian flu strains remains a constant threat to global health. Vigilance and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.
**Avian Flu Threat: Transmission and Prevention** **By Elinor L. Baron, MD, DTMH** Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a serious threat to both birds and humans. This virus can be transmitted in two primary ways: * **Direct contact with infected birds:** Humans can contract avian flu by handling sick or dead birds, their feathers, or their droppings. * **Environmental exposure:** The virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as poultry products, water, or soil. Of particular concern is the ability of avian influenza to spread within and among cervid populations, including deer and elk. **Symptoms of Avian Flu in Humans** In humans, avian flu can cause a range of symptoms, including: * Fever * Chills * Muscle aches * Sore throat * Cough * Shortness of breath Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death. **Preventing the Spread of Avian Flu** To prevent the spread of avian flu, it is crucial to take the following precautions: * Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings. * Wash your hands thoroughly after handling poultry products. * Cook poultry thoroughly to kill any viruses. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after handling birds or poultry products. * Report any suspected cases of avian flu in animals or humans to your local health authorities. **Treatment for Avian Flu** Antiviral medications can be used to treat avian influenza infections. These drugs are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. **History of Avian Flu Pandemics** Since the early 20th century, there have been four major avian flu pandemics: * 1918-1920: The Spanish Flu pandemic, estimated to have killed between 50 and 100 million people worldwide. * 1957-1958: The Asian Flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 1 million people. * 1968-1969: The Hong Kong Flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 1 million people. * 2009-2010: The H1N1 pandemic, also known as the "swine flu" pandemic, which killed an estimated 284,500 people worldwide. The emergence of new avian flu strains remains a constant threat to global health. Vigilance and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.
Researchgate
WEB Although avian bird influenza flu A viruses usually do not infect people there have been some rare cases of human infection with these. WEB Avian influenza Type A viruses bird flu viruses do not normally infect people but rare cases of human infection have occurred with some bird. Bird flu also called avian flu is a strain of influenza flu that infects mostly wild water birds but can infect domestic birds poultry. WEB Use of Antiviral Medications for Treatment of Human Infections with Novel Influenza A Viruses. WEB The high and low pathogenicity of avian influenza viruses is not related to the disease in humans Some avian viruses do not cause..
**Breakthroughs in Influenza Vaccine Development** **Live Attenuated H5 Vaccine Candidates** Researchers have developed several live attenuated vaccine candidates against H5 avian influenza viruses, offering potential protection against highly contagious bird flu strains. **Efficacy Assessment of H9N2 Inactivated Vaccine** A recombinant H9N2 avian influenza virus inactivated vaccine has undergone efficacy testing, demonstrating its potential to prevent infection and disease caused by this zoonotic pathogen. **Reassortant H3N2 Vaccine with 4xM2e** A reassortant influenza H3N2 virus vaccine containing 4xM2e and a current strain-specific HA has been generated, enhancing its protective capabilities. **Live Attenuated Reassortant Vaccines for Human Vaccination** Live attenuated reassortant vaccines have been approved in the U.S. for human vaccination to control influenza viruses, providing long-lasting immunity. **Recombination Risk with H9N2 Virus** The H9N2 avian influenza virus carries a high risk of recombination with other viruses, underscoring the need for effective vaccines to prevent its spread. **Eurasian H5 Viruses Posing a Threat** Since December 2014, Eurasian-origin highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses have emerged, including H5N1 and H5N2, requiring urgent vaccine development. **LAIV: A Promising Vaccine Strategy** Live attenuated cold-adapted reassortant influenza vaccine (LAIV) has emerged as a promising vaccine strategy due to its ability to induce robust immune responses. **H5N2 Vaccine Strain for Chicken Protection** Scientists have generated a reassortant avian influenza virus H5N2 vaccine strain capable of protecting chickens against this deadly virus, offering hope for poultry farmers.
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WEB More information about Making a candidate Vaccine Virus CVV for a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Bird Flu Virus is available. WEB Avian influenza is often fatal in birds but none of the infected cows have died so far But those vaccines would be manufactured on. WEB CNN The United States is facing what some experts are calling a new era for bird flu Since January 2022 the country has been battling the. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick. Take Action to Prevent the Spread of Flu Between Birds and People..
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